Energy transport in laser produced plasmas

The structure of the surface layer of a solid irradiated by intense laser radiation generating surface plasma is surveyed. A general view is given about the pressure, temperature and hydrodynamical conditions in and near the irradiated surface. A detailed analysis is presented on the mechanism of energy transfer by thermal electrons and their interaction with plasma waves. Detailed models of thermal electron kinetics are described, the theoretical results are compared with experimental data. The emission of soft X-rays from the thermal conduction region is discussed in detail. Two additional phenomena: thermal smoothing of transverse spatial nonuniformities and the opposite effect, transverse thermal instability, leading to production of separate plasma jets, are also described. (D.Gy.)